Can I Do Graphic Design With Non-Graphic Degree?
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By Strife Team • September 14, 2022
Why Not? Yes you can be a graphic designer with a marketing or communications degree. It’s actually easier than you might think to enter the field of graphic design, especially in today’s market.
Designers rely on their practical experience to guide them, regardless of their level of education. If you have the desire to continually learn new things and challenge yourself, you may be a graphic artist at heart. Although it’s an exciting field to enter, many aspiring designers can get bogged down in the early stages.
Do You Need a Degree to Be a Graphic Designer?
While it is true that some graphic designers enter the creative industry with a college degree, it is not a requirement. Many businesses only consider a candidate’s portfolio and work history when hiring entry-level designers, regardless of their educational background.
As a result, you will need a few things to succeed as a graphic designer without a degree: a certain amount of undeveloped creative talent, the commitment to mastering a number of essential skills, and an outstanding portfolio that will persuade employers to give you a chance. The final step in the job search is arguably the most crucial. In order for potential employers to make a hiring decision based on your creativity and design abilities, you must have a portfolio of your work.
What Does A Graphic Designer Do?
Although the daily responsibilities and tasks of graphic designers can vary, they frequently include:
- Meet with clients or art directors to talk about the project’s parameters.
- To create designs, use digital illustration and editing software.
- To convey brand messages, create visual components such as logos, decorative images, and illustrations.
- Work with the writers, directors, and other creative team members to make sure the imagery is cohesive.
- Identify costs and schedules for design projects.
- Perform market research to comprehend the rivals’ design tactics
- Create and maintain a portfolio of their work Connect with other graphic designers to exchange ideas and learn about job opportunities
- Talk with clients, art directors, and managers about the status of the project.
- Receive and incorporate suggestions for improvement from clients and art directors
- Send samples and mockups to prospective clients.
- Make presentation decks and mood boards for clients and directors.
- Keep abreast of the most recent design trends, technologies, and tools.
How To Become A Graphic Designer Without A Degree?
If you want to work as a graphic designer without a degree, think about the following steps:
1. Learn about design theory
Develop your knowledge of the foundations of design theory before pursuing a career as a graphic designer. Design theory is a body of concepts and methods that clarifies how and why some design components are more successful than others. Gaining knowledge of design theory can make it easier for you to convey brand messaging through your designs more effectively.
Consider looking into online programs and learning environments to learn about design theory. Numerous websites and online learning communities offer many of these services for little to no cost. Investigate local programs and short-term art or design classes in your neighborhood as well. An excellent way to learn from a qualified instructor and connect with others pursuing design careers is through in-person learning.
2. Acquire familiarity with the required software
Specialized software is frequently used by graphic designers to finish projects. It’s crucial to download and get acquainted with programs like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Consider spending some time learning from the Adobe tutorial after downloading this software. Consider buying books and beginner guides for Photoshop and Illustrator to get more in-depth training on their features. Having this knowledge can help you successfully use the software required to carry out your responsibilities as a graphic designer.
When applying for jobs as a graphic designer, it’s crucial to list your experience with Photoshop and Illustrator on your resume. By including this information, you can demonstrate your expertise in the field and reassure potential employers or clients that you have the skills and experience needed to succeed.
3. Make a portfolio for yourself
You can start developing your portfolio of work once you have a firm grasp of design theory and are knowledgeable about Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop’s features. A portfolio is a crucial marketing tool for graphic designers because it enables you to showcase your skills and distinctive design viewpoint. Make a portfolio of sample or mock designs before you start working with clients or looking for full-time work as a graphic designer.
Designing logos, websites, ornamental images, flyers for promotions, brochures, or intricate typography for your portfolio is one way to explore your creativity. There are a number of online portfolio services to take into account; try looking into your options and selecting the one that best satisfies your requirements.
4. Market your Services
Consider building a professional website to market your services after assembling an impressive portfolio. An opportunity to showcase your graphic design abilities as well as a potent means of self-promotion can be found on a professional website. Make sure the layout of your website reflects some of your own graphic design principles. The following details should be present on your website’s pages:
- Your contact information so that prospective employers and clients can get in touch with you
- Your background, outlook, and philosophy as a graphic designer
- a link to your work portfolio on the internet
To easily pitch your services to prospective clients and hiring managers you come across, it may be helpful to print and carry business cards.
5. Look for work
You can start looking for work as a graphic designer once you have equipped yourself with a portfolio and expert website. Make sure to include any pertinent positions in the creative or design industries on your resume, and make sure to highlight your skills. It might also be helpful to draft a cover letter outlining your desire to work in the industry as well as the steps you’ve taken to hone your graphic design abilities. By looking for openings on online job search websites, you can submit an application for entry-level, part-time, or contractor positions.
Your network of clients is probably going to grow as you take on more work. If your customers are pleased with your work, they might suggest you to others who require your services. It’s crucial to establish and maintain good relationships with your clients by staying in touch and offering top-notch customer service.
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